PPBF: The Rabbit Listened

Happy PPBF.

I'm so excited about this week's pick, but first things first. Last night I got to speak at a Family Character Night at Ferguson Elementary and look at their cool Character-Cam Photo-Booth backdrop.

So adorable. I've seen this display bouncing around cyberspace,

but being right there in person with it really made it pop!

I especially connected with asking families to sign it,

as their promise to give kindness wings. 

All the feels.

Counselor Emmy Jess in Ripon, WI, combined this Put the I in kInd idea with my suggestion to write the one-word you want people to feel in your presence 

on a paper plate to create this epic version.

So much creative goodness to share,

the perfect segue into today's title.

Title: The Rabbit Listened

Author and Illustrator: Cori Doerrfeld

Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers

Birth Date: February 20, 2018

Themes: empathy, compassion, grit

Suitable for: ages 4 and up

Brief synopsis: When Taylor's terrific tower breaks apart, he has some uncomfortable feelings. Which friend will know just what he needs, to comfort and care for him?

Opening page: One day, Taylor decided to build something.

Resources:

Read a School Library Journal review {here}.

See what the author has to say in an interview {here}.

A podcast interview with the Rabbit {here}.

Check out a Shon's Stories read aloud here:  

Why I like this book: It's not often that I don't jump up to go get a book when someone recommends it to me, but for some reason, I let a year go by before I check this one out. Am I ever sorry it took me so long to add this treasure to my trove. Because it is incredible and one of my very favorite newbies.

When Taylor's tower falls apart (maybe some birds came by and knocked it down, maybe not ... ), it's all that he can do to not fall apart as well. That's when chicken notices and tries to rescue Taylor from his uncomfortable feelings, by advising that he talk about it.

But Taylor doesn't feel like talking. 

One by one his animal friends come by, and

one by one they suggest the strategies that they would use

to process the feelings and solve the problem.

And Taylor doesn't feel like trying any of their suggestions (yet).

Cue the cute, quiet bunny.

So quiet, in fact, that Taylor doesn't even notice it.

Until the heat of its warm body warmed Taylor up.

The silent soul sidles up and listens as Taylor

vents and processes and shouts and laughs ... 

Through it all, the rabbit never left. 

... until this budding builder feels ready to try again.

{Sigh}.

I dare say we could all use a Rabbit in our lives.

Use the story to talk about

grit,

emotions,

empathy,

compassion,

and kindness.

Taylor's story is a poignant reminder that

we need to teach people how to treat us.

That emotional regulation isn't one-size-fits-all.

And that sometimes all we need do is listen.

Shhhhhhhhhh. Hear that? The Sound of Silence.

Compare and contrast this heartwarming gem with

Shhh! by Jeanne Willis and Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban.

Write or draw about the strategies that help you

work through your hard, uncomfortable, or big feelings.

Then dance the Bunny Hop to seal the deal, using these lyrics:

E-M-P-A-T-H-Y

put yourself in my shoes

and I think you will find

E-M-P-A-T-H-Y

you're a superhero of 

the charACTer KIND.

Then head to Susanna Hill's blog for more PPBF picks

and her review of 1-2-3 My Feelings And Me.